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That vs. That

What's the Difference?

That and that are both pronouns used to refer to something previously mentioned or understood. However, "That" is typically used to refer to a specific object or idea, while "that" is used in a more general sense. For example, "That book on the shelf is mine" versus "I like that book." Both words serve a similar purpose in language, but their usage can vary depending on the context in which they are used.

Comparison

AttributeThatThat
DefinitionUsed to identify a specific person or thingUsed to refer to something previously mentioned or easily identified
UsageCan be used as a determiner, pronoun, or adverbCan be used as a determiner, pronoun, or adverb
Examples"Give me that book.""I like that idea."

Further Detail

Definition

When comparing the attributes of "that" and "that," it is important to first understand the definitions of each word. "That" is a pronoun used to identify a specific person or thing being mentioned or understood. It can also be used as a determiner to indicate a specific thing or person. On the other hand, "that" is a conjunction used to introduce a clause or a noun phrase. It is also used to indicate a specific thing or person in a more formal or distant manner.

Usage

The usage of "that" and "that" can vary depending on the context in which they are used. "That" as a pronoun is often used to refer to something previously mentioned or understood. For example, "I saw a cat in the garden. That cat was black." In this sentence, "that" is used to refer back to the cat mentioned earlier. On the other hand, "that" as a conjunction is used to introduce a clause or a noun phrase. For example, "She said that she would be late." In this sentence, "that" introduces the clause "she would be late."

Function

The function of "that" and "that" in a sentence can also differ. "That" as a pronoun functions as a substitute for a noun or noun phrase. It can stand alone or be used in a sentence to refer to something specific. For example, "I want that." In this sentence, "that" is used as a pronoun to refer to a specific thing. On the other hand, "that" as a conjunction functions to introduce a clause or a noun phrase that provides more information about the main clause. For example, "He said that he would call me later." In this sentence, "that" introduces the clause "he would call me later."

Placement

The placement of "that" and "that" in a sentence can also differ. "That" as a pronoun is typically placed after the verb or at the end of a sentence. For example, "She told me that." In this sentence, "that" is placed at the end of the sentence. On the other hand, "that" as a conjunction is usually placed at the beginning of a clause or a noun phrase. For example, "That being said, we should move on." In this sentence, "that" is placed at the beginning of the clause "being said."

Similarities

Despite their differences, "that" and "that" also share some similarities. Both words can be used to refer to something specific or to introduce additional information in a sentence. They can both be used as pronouns or conjunctions, depending on the context. Additionally, both words are commonly used in written and spoken English to clarify or provide more detail in a sentence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "that" and "that" may seem similar at first glance, they have distinct attributes that set them apart in terms of definition, usage, function, and placement in a sentence. Understanding the differences between these two words can help improve clarity and precision in communication. Whether using "that" as a pronoun to refer to something specific or "that" as a conjunction to introduce additional information, both words play important roles in the English language.

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